>> reporter: it's been an emotional send-off for pope benedict xvi. he spoke of the joy and light of the papacy and spoke of difficult times. today benedict thanked the faithful for understanding his decision to retire. in his words, to love the church means to have the courage to take difficult painful decisions. he was realistic. speaking of the troubled seas and rough winds. of course controversies follow any pope at times it seems these days. for him it's been that way in the final days. one pope resigning from great britain as well as the los angeles cardinal, some pressure on roger mahoney not to show up and vote. so we are with waiting to hear when the conclave will take place, marla. until we hear that, when the pope leaves tomorrow there will be no leader for some time. >> do we think a new pope will be in place for easter? >> well, certainly easter is the most holy of holidays for the roman catholic church. the cardinals begin their discussions in congregations. maybe a conclave march 10 or 15th. that conclave is in quiet prayer and voting.